Air Quality Alert extended through Sunday across Chicago area as Lollapalooza draws thousands
Air Quality Index at unhealthy levels in much of Chicago area due to smoke from Canadian wildfires
CHICAGO (WLS) -- Most of the Chicago area remains under an Air Quality Alert on Saturday due to smoke from Canadian wildfires.
The alert was, at one point, set to expire late Friday night for most of the area, but it was extended through Sunday. The National Weather Service said the alert issued by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency is set to expire at midnight Monday.
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AccuWeather Meteorologist Jaisol Martinez said haze from the smoke would still be visible on Saturday, but the air quality index in Chicago is slowly improving.
Conditions remained unhealthy for sensitive groups on Saturday, an improvement from being unhealthy for everyone, Martinez said.
Meanwhile, Lollapalooza is being held this weekend, drawing thousands of people outdoors. The air conditions have not appeared to keep the large crowds from flocking to the annual music festival in Grant Park.
"Today I am excited for Clairo...and Sabrina Carpenter tomorrow," Lolla attendee Jillian Burgess said.
Day three of Lollapalooza got underway Saturday. Chicago's own Chance the Rapper was a last-minute surprise addition to the day's music lineup.
The four-day music festival is taking place downtown as Chicago remains under an Air Quality Alert.
On Saturday, the skyline looked a little clearer than the last few days.
"I walk to work, so I noticed in the last couple of days," Lolla attendee Shi Ramirez said. "It was bad... but I feel like today is better than the last two days so we'll... We'll be fine."
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"We took precautions, we just made sure to stay hydrated," Lolla attendee Analleli Garcia said. "If we felt dizzy or anything like that, we just took a second and rest."
The poor air quality did not stop thousands from heading to Lolla and enjoying the music and good vibes.
"It's just the energy, Chicago is a great city in general, being able to be with your friends and with my girlfriend," Lolla attendee Matt Meyers said. "It's a great experience every time you go."
Rufus Du Sol and K-Pop group 'Twice' are headlining Saturday night. Lollapalooza wraps up Sunday, with Sabrina Carpenter and A$AP Rocky headlining.
Medical experts said the unhealthy air conditions are of most concern for active children and adults who have a respiratory condition. Those who experience a respiratory issue should go inside and seek medical attention if necessary.
Doctors said an N95 mask can help people outside, and people at home should make sure filters are fresh so that air conditioning is working at its best.
